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Preparing ODBC data sources</TITLE>
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<A NAME="CCJCCDFI"></A><h1>Preparing ODBC data sources</h1>
<A NAME="TI266"></A><p>The first step in connecting to an ODBC data source is preparing
the data source. This ensures that you are able to connect to the
data source and use your data in PowerBuilder.</p>
<A NAME="TI267"></A><p>You prepare to use a data source <i>outside</i> PowerBuilder <i>before</i> you
start the product, define the data source, and connect to it. The
requirements differ for each data source, but in general, preparing
to use a data source involves the following steps.</p>
<A NAME="TI268"></A><p><img src="images/proc.gif" width=17 height=17 border=0 align="bottom" alt="Steps"> To prepare to use an ODBC data source with PowerBuilder:</p>
<ol><li class=fi><p>If network software is required to access
the data source, make sure it is properly installed and configured
at your site and on the client workstation.</p></li>
<li class=ds><p>If database software is required, make sure it
is properly installed and configured on your computer or network
server.</p></li>
<li class=ds><p>Make sure the required data files are present
on your computer or network server.</p></li>
<li class=ds><p>Make sure the names of tables and columns you
want to access follow standard <ACRONYM title = "sequel" >SQL</ACRONYM> naming
conventions.</p><p>Avoid using blank spaces or database-specific reserved words
in table and column names. Be aware of the case-sensitivity options
of the DBMS. It is safest to use all uppercase characters when naming
tables and columns that you want to access in PowerBuilder. </p></li>
<li class=ds><p>If your database requires it, make sure the tables
you want to access have unique indexes.</p></li>
<li class=ds><p>Install both of the following using the PowerBuilder Setup
program:<A NAME="TI269"></A>
<ul>
<li class=fi>The ODBC driver
that accesses your data source</li>
<li class=ds>The ODBC interface 
</li>
</ul>

                    </p></li></ol>
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